The current study evaluated drinking behavior, defined by quantity, frequency, and consequences, following treatment for an alcohol-use disorder. Using data from Project MATCH, the current analyses identified three drinking classes in the first 12 months following treatment, defined as heavy frequent drinking with high consequences, moderate infrequent drinking with low consequences, and nondrinking with low consequences. Individuals were likely to remain in the same drinking class across time. Yet, transitioning occurred between classes, and transitioning was related to both the treatment arm and alcohol-dependence symptoms. The likelihood of transitioning did not vary by treatment assignment—which is consistent with Project MATCH (1997) findings of no treatment group differences in drinking outcomes.
